According to Newcastle’s head coach, Eddie Howe, his team’s significant Champions League victory against Qarabag serves as a powerful testament to the standard they are able to achieve.
In Baku, the Magpies delivered a commanding performance, decisively routing the Azerbaijani champions 6-1, thus establishing a considerable lead heading into the return leg at St James’ Park next week.
The victors in this tie will face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the subsequent round.
By the interval, Newcastle had surged to a 5-0 advantage, utterly dominating their opponents in what stands as one of their most comprehensive European outings in recent memory.
Following the match, Howe commented that the outcome ought to strengthen the conviction within the squad that these athletes possess the ability to contend with the elite.
“My aspiration is for this to simply underscore our conviction that we possess the potential to be a formidable squad.
“When performing at our peak, we are capable of challenging any opponent. Throughout this season, I have consistently asserted this potential; the challenge, naturally, lies in achieving this standard as frequently and reliably as possible.
“I believe the intense concentration from the players was evident right from the game’s outset, and subsequently, we demonstrate our quality when in such a mindset.
“It is an exceptionally opportune moment for us to deliver such a performance, aiming to simply reaffirm to ourselves that we can once more be a premier side.”
Anthony Gordon emerged as the evening’s standout performer, netting four goals. The attacker, who had never before achieved a senior hat-trick, departed the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium having boosted his Champions League season total to 10 goals, thereby eclipsing the legendary Alan Shearer’s club benchmark in the tournament.
Additional strikes from Malick Thiaw and substitute Jacob Murphy sealed the overwhelming victory, whereas Elvin Jafarguliyev managed a late consolation goal for Qarabag, an effort unlikely to hold much significance for the reverse fixture in England’s North-East.
Notwithstanding his extraordinary individual accomplishment, Gordon emphasized the team’s overall display.
“Certainly, personal records are pleasing, but soccer fundamentally revolves around the collective. Solo accomplishments gain importance solely when the squad triumphs, and this evening, that held supreme significance.
“I feel immense pride, not merely for my own efforts, but for every participant. Visiting this venue is consistently challenging, hence my profound satisfaction for the entire contingent.”
Prior to one of Newcastle’s spot-kicks, a momentary on-pitch contention arose, with skipper Kieran Trippier also eager to assume the responsibility; however, Howe brushed aside any implication of an issue.
“Anthony, quite understandably, desired to attempt the second penalty, and I comprehend why discussions sometimes occur regarding such situations. The clarity diminishes when two such opportunities arise in a single match. Nevertheless, he executed both spot-kicks magnificently, and I am content with that outcome.
“Kieran’s sole intention is always to assist the squad, therefore I perceive it as a beneficial circumstance rather than a detrimental one.”
Newcastle will nonetheless handle the second leg with considerable caution, especially given Thiaw’s suspension following his third yellow card of the season.
“Indeed, we performed well today, but we are taking nothing for granted in the return fixture,” Howe further stated.
The pace does not diminish for the Magpies, as they journey to the Etihad this weekend to confront Manchester City.